Hello,
I have those two aviation otlichnik badges. Are they just different variations or one of them was painted by the owner to make it looks more flashy?
They are both pinback and have a mirroring reverse with a small mintmark (different mintmark though)
01-08-2006, 08:08 PM (This post was last modified: 01-09-2006, 03:26 PM by matteti.)
Hello Danny.
Thanks for posting.
I've forgotten to say they are both made from the same metal (brass I believe) and are of the same weight. And this is definitely enamel (not paint)
In my opinion, they are both from the 1960s and it's why I was wondering about the dark blue painting added around the shield.
To compare, I posted the reverse of the two previous aviation badges as well as the obverse and reverse of a otlichnik for Navy which is of the more recent variation and definitely made of aluminium (very light and has almost a "plastic" look) and paint. Also, that Navy badge has a simple plain reverse (not mirroring the obverse like the two aviation badges).
If made of brass, then they are both from the 60's then since the later issues were made from aluminium and paint. The brass one painted might have been done as a correction to broken enamel or something of that nature.
I think Alexei's comment applies broadly to all of these 60s-1991 badges--classification badges, otlichnik badges, wings, and so on. Lots of places produced them so they all do not look alike. The older ones were brass and enamel, and then were made out of aluminum and paint as time progresssed.
What I don't know is whether these common badges have been made post-1991 (aka restrikes). They are so plentiful and cheap that it seems somewhat pointless to make them, but, if the original dies are still around, we've seen that enterprising FSU-people will run the presses is any amount of $ can be made. Anyone know?
Here's another new one. This came from Latvia. It's a nice, older excellent red airforceman badge. Nicely made from brass with some enamel.
"patina imparts character" - PJS
A wise man said: 'you should not pay a premium for what you want beyond your comfort level, and always ensure there is a mutually agreeable return policy.'
